This celebrated mechanic and natural philosopher began life as a mathematical instrument maker, but having his attention very early called to the nature and power of steam, he directed all his energies to improvements in steam engines, and made important experiments and discoveries. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.
JOHN KEATS.
Born 1796.—Died 1820.—George III.
A poet who, if he had lived a little later, would have been admired, praised, and had a school of imitators. As it was his sensibilities were so wounded by the severe criticisms made upon his poems that he fell into ill-health and died. His Endymion is the poem by which he is best known, but his volume shows that he had the merit of being beforehand with the “Lake School” in freeing English poetry from artificial trammels and opening for it a wider and more natural spirit. He was a native of London.
SIR WILLIAM HERSCHEL.
Born 1738.—Died 1822.—George II.—George III.—George IV.
This great astronomer discovered a new planet, which he called Georgium Sidus, but which is now called Herschel. He erected an enormous telescope at Slough. His son, Sir John Herschel, continued his discoveries, and became one of the greatest astronomers yet known.
PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY,
Born 1792.—Died 1822.—George III.—George IV.
A poet of the most extraordinary genius and imagination, was born in Sussex. Some of his writings are unfortunately tinged with infidelity and false beliefs. His translations from the Greek and longer poems are very beautiful, especially the Prometheus Unbound. Shelley was drowned in the Bay of Spezzia in Italy.